Most owners pop champagne when their guy wins. Michael Jordan? He invites fans to boo him. That’s not shade – that’s strategy. Because in the cutthroat world of NASCAR, Jordan doesn’t only want his co-owner to win. He wants him to feel hunted. And after Hamlin’s back-to-back triumphs, the chase just got personal.
Recently, Hamlin clinched victory at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Sadly, though, Hamlin does not race for his own organization but for Joe Gibbs Racing. MJ still expressed his joy for Denny but also left what seems to be a cryptic message for 23XI fans.
During a chat on NASCAR on FOX, Mike playfully called Hamlin a “clown,” though you could tell it came from a place of real respect. “He’s a very confident driver. He’s a very confident person. His competitive juices no different than mine,” he said, hinting at a similarity of nature, which explains the smooth run at 23XI despite conflict of interests.
Trust MJ to drop wisdom mid-roast. Calling Hamlin a ‘clown’ may sound like a jab, but it’s probably the highest form of MJ affection. After all, only the greats get teased in public – and toasted in private
However, the 6x NBA champ did not hesitate in letting it out that the very thing that drove Hamlin to the victory is what drives him, too. “If you boo him [Denny], that makes him better. You know, you boo me, that makes me better,” he said, seemingly sending the 23XI fans the secret recipe to their team’s win. Of course, Michael Jordan didn’t let the moment pass without giving Hamlin his flowers once again.
Sep 25, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; Michael Jordan watches on from the 11th green during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
“That’s just the nature of a good competitor… I’m very happy for his win last week…” he said, while adding the possibility that Hamlin might now win the next one. In either case, there is no denying that Hamlin was just exceptional on Darlington Raceway. A perfectly timed pit stop and a flawless overtime restart gave him the edge. His No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota surged ahead, leaving even the day’s strongest contender, William Byron, trailing by nearly 0.6 seconds.
Despite his skill, one question remains — why doesn’t Denny Hamlin race for his own team?
Why doesn’t Denny Hamlin drive for 23XI Racing?
It’s a rare sight in NASCAR—watching someone compete against the very team they co-own. But that’s exactly what Denny Hamlin does. While leading the charge at 23XI Racing off the track, he’s still behind the wheel for Joe Gibbs Racing on Sundays, racing head-to-head with his own drivers.
Back in 2021, 23XI Racing made its debut, kicking off with a single entry and aligning itself technically with Joe Gibbs Racing. Bubba Wallace has been the face of the team since day one, and Tyler Reddick joined the mix in 2023. With the team continuing to evolve and show real promise, fans can’t help but wonder—why hasn’t Hamlin taken the driver’s seat for his own squad? Earlier this year, while chatting with Kevin Harvick, Denny shared a heartfelt reason.
He wants to finish out his full-time driving career where it all began — with Coach Gibbs. Hamlin has spent 19 full seasons with JGR since making his Cup debut in 2005, notching up 54 wins. Still, don’t rule out his chance with 23XI Racing just yet. With 56 career Cup Series wins, Hamlin has surpassed Rusty Wallace to claim sole possession of 11th place on the all-time wins list. But not a single one with 23XI.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Nov 9, 2024 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20241109_gav_sv5_003
Hamlin himself has admitted he wants to get behind the wheel for 23XI someday. As he put it on the Happy Hour Podcast, “There is a part of me that wants to drive for 23XI, absolutely… I’ll certainly be racing at 23XI in at least a race at some point in my career.” Well, that’s the kind of loyalty that seems to have earned Michael Jordan’s respect, even though they are pitted against each other once Hamlin is on the wheel for JGR. That and the similar competitive spirit, as pointed out by His Airness.
On paper, it makes no sense. But in practice? It’s pure Jordan. The GOAT knows a conflicted competitor is a dangerous one. By inviting boos, MJ isn’t mocking Hamlin — he’s motivating him. And maybe, just maybe, he’s showing 23XI fans the blueprint. If loyalty and rivalry can coexist in one man, imagine what that tension could unleash when Hamlin finally straps in for 23XI. The boos might just become fuel.
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